Engineering Software

LOTUS ENGINEERING SOFTWARE (LESOFT)

Computer simulation is a key part of the automotive development process. Lotus Engineering Software has been developed by automotive engineers, using them on many powertrain and vehicle projects at Lotus over the past 15 years.

The philosophy under-pinning Lotus Engineering Software is to offer simulation tools which enable the user to generate models very quickly, using a mixture of embedded design criteria and well-structured interface functionality.

PRODUCTS

A market leading application for suspension modelling and design from the world-leaders in vehicle ride and handling; the Lotus Suspension Analysis SHARK module is a suspension geometric and kinematic modelling tool, with a user- friendly interface which makes it easy to apply changes to proposed geometry and instantaneously assess their impact through graphical results.

An easy-to-use engine cycle simulation tool, developed for Lotus' own engine research and development department.

The tool has been developed from our extensive experience of applying performance simulation to engine design projects. The tool can be used to simulate the performance of two and four stroke, gasoline and diesel, naturally aspirated or supercharged and turbocharged engines.

Lotus engine simulation models the gas dynamics in the engine manifolds and enables the complex operating modes used in modern engines to be simulated.

This comprehensive package of Performance Prediction software can accurately predict the performance of a modelled vehicle.

Lotus vehicle simulation employs a user friendly interface to enable quick comparisons of the impact of variations in a vehicle's specification. Data for regularly used components can be stored for repeat use with a system that is designed to predict the performance, emissions, fuel consumption and even lap time of a modelled vehicle over single or multiple runs.

A cam profiling application that comprehensively encompasses all aspects of valve train design; LCVT models all aspects including contact stress, float speed, radius of curvature and valve to piston interference to enable the design and development of a camshaft profile. The simplified dynamic analysis module also allows detailed dynamic behaviour to be investigated.

LICENSING

Commercial Rates

A range of licensing options is available, including Annual Renewable or Perpetual Licences. For users who require only occasional use of simulation tools, shorter term licence options are also available.

All commercial licences come with full on-line help documentation, tutorials and customer support. Please contact Software Support for a quotation. Multi-product and user discounts apply.

Training Courses

Lotus provides bespoke training courses for all software products. Further details are available on request.

Academic Licenses

Licenses are available for use within an academic environment for the purpose of research or teaching. Whilst under academic licensing a single seat of one product is offered free of charge, an academic license fee is payable for multiple seats and/or products. Use of the software for consultancy purposes or any off-site use requires prior approval by Lotus.

Support of the software will be controlled on an hourly basis up to a maximum cumulative total. All support should be directed through a nominated member of staff at the educational establishment and will be restricted to telephone / email interaction.

The educational establishment will be entitled to updates at the discretion of Lotus, and the agreement will be reviewed annually. Additional information regarding the use and maintenance of the code is detailed in the Educational Software Licence Agreement.

Lotus reserves the right to control the use of its name with respect to any project in which the software has been employed.

A series of 'getting started' documents are available. Each one takes the user through a particular software product or task, in a series of structured tutorials. Detailed screen shots and the required user inputs provide an ideal introduction to the features of the products.

The 'Getting Started' documents are included as part of the individual product install files, but can be direclty downloaded here through the links below;

A freeware single cylinder version of Lotus Engine Simulation is also available to download , with associated documentation here.

The freeware version of Lotus Engine Simulation is a single cylinder version with up to three sensors and actuators. No licence files are required to run this version of the product, which has been tested on most popular versions of Windows. As this version of the software is offered as freeware Lotus Engineering will not guarantee that they are able to respond to users support enquiries.